Former Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has expressed shock over Arsenal’s decision to sell Gabriel Martinelli during the summer transfer window.
He suggested that the club could have extended the Brazilian’s contract.
The Gunners have parted ways with Leandro Trossard this summer while acquiring Christos Tzolis. Additionally, Gabriel Jesus has moved to Barcelona.
Furthermore, Martinelli is poised to join Al-Hilal for an estimated fee of approximately £55 million, bringing his seven-year spell with the club to an end.
Agbonlahor argued that Arsenal ought to have offered the Brazilian a new contract.
Following the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park, the former striker said, “Don’t you look at last night and think a player Arsenal could have utilised in that second half was Martinelli?
“I’m still perplexed that Arsenal have sold Martinelli for £50-55m, at just 25 years of age, with some remarkable moments at that football club. I understand [he’s in the final year of his deal] but if you offer him the right contract then he would have remained, undoubtedly.”
Martinelli joined the Gunners from Ituano in 2019. He has netted 62 goals and provided 36 assists in 278 senior appearances for the club, winning one league title and one FA Cup.